I mentioned recently how hard I was finding getting into a book, well it wasn't a case of that with this book, I was hooked right from the start. Both of the books I've read by this author have covered two time periods and it's a style of writing which she executes very well.
As well as telling the story of Carrie McClelland, a best selling author, the book slips back in time to the beginning of the eighteenth century when Queen Anne was on the British throne and James III of England, James VIII of Scotland, was attempting to regain power. I know nothing of this period and although this is a work of fiction, there's lots of historical fact included which was very well researched. It had me googling names and places as I found I wanted to learn more.
It's a bit like a book within a book as the historical part is told through the pages of the latest book which Carrie is writing, I found this rather clever.
This is a book I'd definitely recommend, I didn't want it to end.
If you want to know what else I've been reading lately, you can find a list in the sidebar. This shows all the books I've read this year and there's also lists of the books I've read right back to 2012.
I love this author and first found her on Overdrive the library website. The Shadowy Horses was the first book i read going on to read 'The Rose Garden' I must try this one.
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
I've enjoyed both books I've now read by Susanna Kearsley and would happily read more. I haven't heard of The Shadowy Horses, I'll have to look out for that one.
DeleteThank you for the suggestion. I read her other book and really enjoyed it so I will look this one up. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
I really like her style of writing. I'm sure if you've enjoyed other books by Susanna Kearsley you'll enjoy this one too.
DeleteSound like a good read Jo. I've gone off reading on my Kindle but I will look at the library to see if they have this, it sounds like something i would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think you'd enjoy this. I love my Kindle, it's makes it so easy to read when I wake during the night, and not only that, I think it's easier to hold too, though you don't get that lovely feeling of actually turning the pages.
DeleteSounds right up my alley - I adore fiction that's based on actual history and, like you, find myself spending quite a bit of time googling during and afterwards. I'll be putting this one on my list.
ReplyDeleteI've come to this type of book, fiction based on history, only recently but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I'm learning lots along the way too.
DeleteIt's so nice when you can pick up a book and just go with it. It must have really grabbed you for you to want to google people, I love when I'm so wrapped up in something. It's not a period I know anything about, I do love a bit of history xx
ReplyDeleteIt's a while since I've been so absorbed in a book, I really enjoyed this one. I found the history in this book really interesting.
DeleteI also enjoyed The Rose Garden but haven't read Sophie's Secret. I must admit to browsing the 99p and £1.99 Kindle books 🙂
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy this one if you enjoyed The Rose Garden. I check the daily deals on Kindle most days, I've picked up quite a few books that I want to read this way and others which have just caught my eye too.
DeleteIt's always nice to enjoy reading a really good book. I wish it happened more often. xx
ReplyDeleteI've been in a rut just lately with my reading so it was good to pick up a book which held my attention right from the start, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
DeleteThanks Jo, it's always useful to hear a good recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI read lots of books which have been recommended on blogs, it's always good to hear a positive review.
DeleteThank you so much for the recommendation! I've been having such a hard time getting into books recently as well, which is strange for me, as I used to devour them so quickly! I will try this author.
ReplyDeleteI think we go in stages with reading, I know I do. Hopefully, I'm back into it again now.
DeleteI do love a good book to read, I have to do a post, I've read three books this week.
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky to get three books a month read at the moment, my reading seems to have slowed right down. I think it's because Eleanor's home from uni, I'm going to bed later and this is eating into my reading time.
DeleteI've read a few of her books, if you like her you might also like Barbara Erskine, a lady recommended both these authors to me.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by Barbara Erskine, I shall have to look out for her books. Thanks for the recommendation.
DeleteIt is always so enjoyable when a book grips you straight away isn't it!
ReplyDeleteIt is. It can be hard going when you can't get in to a story so it's good to know from the very start that you're going to enjoy a book.
DeleteNot read this author, Jo, but it sounds a very good read.
ReplyDeleteMargaret P
www.margaretpowling.com
I can definitely recommend both this book and the last book I read by this author too.
Delete... and I'm still behind with my reading!!!
ReplyDeleteI currently have an historical novel on the go, not too sure when I'll finish it though LOL!
Good to read your review.
All the best Jan
That's the great thing about books, you can just pick them up when you feel like it and they'll still be there waiting for you.
DeleteThat's a very positive thumbs up for this author. I do like a book which covers different time periods.
ReplyDeleteI started a new book today and the first paragraph was so full of descriptive homeliness I was hooked from the end of the first sentence, what a difference it can make when you are pulled in straight away.
Lisa x
I shall definitely look out for more Susanna Kearsley books, I really enjoy her writing style. It's great when you find a book which captures you right from the start, it's so different to those which you end up struggling with.
DeleteI shall look forward to reading it, it's always good to have a book recommended.xxx
ReplyDeleteI agree. I read lots of books that I've seen recommendations for on blogs.
Delete